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Uber riders take more than 2.5 million trips each day in the United States. The rideshare service reported 153 motor vehicle fatalities in 2021-22.
If even a small percentage of Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare trips result in a collision, that means many people are hurt in rideshare accidents each year. If you’re in a rideshare accident, you need to know what steps to take.
10 Steps to Take When You’re Injured in a Rideshare Accident
1. Move to a safe place.
Make sure that you are out of harm’s way. Assess whether you need to move from a place where there is moving traffic and the possibility of additional harm. When an accident is minor, state law may require drivers to move vehicles away from traffic flow.
2. Report the accident to law enforcement.
Drivers have a legal duty to report an injury accident to the police. You may also call the police as a passenger. Either way, make sure that someone reports the accident. Ask the police to respond and make a report. The report may help you gather information and document evidence. The responding officer may be an important witness.
3. Get medical attention
If you’re injured, get medical attention. Medical care documents that the accident caused your injuries. It can identify and address any urgent intervention you may need.
4. Ask people for contact information.
If you’re able, ask others involved and witnesses for their contact information. Rideshare companies can be reluctant to share passenger information – even in the event of a crash. If there are others involved, getting their contact information at the scene can make things easier later on. Ask for names, phone numbers, and physical addresses of anyone who witnessed the crash, passengers and drivers. Ask someone to assist you with this task, if necessary.
5. Verify driver information
You should already have the driver information from the rideshare app. But ask the driver for their information anyway. Ask to see their driver’s license. Write down all the information on it or take a photo with your phone. Record their rideshare operator number, license plate, and insurance information. Even though rideshare companies have insurance programs, ask the driver for their personal insurance details.
6. Take photos
The accident scene is the only opportunity to take photos. Take photos of vehicle damage.
Capture each vehicle from every angle, even if there are places without damage. Take photos of the greater accident scene. Include the road and any debris. If the accident is at night, change the settings on your phone camera to different uses of flash and lighting to make sure you have clear photos.
7. Report the accident to the rideshare company.
Tell the rideshare company that you were in an accident. As a passenger in a car accident involving a rideshare, you should be able to report through the app. Give the basic details of when and where it occurred. You can follow up with specific loss information later.
8. Call a rideshare accident lawyer.
It’s always best to involve a rideshare accident lawyer as soon as possible. They can work to preserve evidence. They can interact with the rideshare company, other drivers, and witnesses.
A lawyer can determine damages and the amount that you should be seeking in compensation.
9. Determine your losses
Compensation for rideshare accident injuries depends on medical expenses, other financial losses, and the severity of injury. Pain and extent of debilitation play an important role in what your case is worth. The rideshare companies tout their large insurance guarantees, but the truth is that they don’t want you to know what your claim is worth. A lawyer can review your damages to make sure that you don’t undervalue your claim.
10. Negotiate your compensation
Getting compensation for a rideshare accident involves knowing what your case is worth, determining liability, finding sources of compensation, and negotiating your payment. A rideshare accident lawyer can assist you in pursuing your case.
I Was a Passenger in a Rideshare Accident
If you were a passenger in a rideshare accident, you may open a claim for compensation. There are probably multiple insurance policies involved, including the rideshare company, the driver’s insurance, and the insurance for other drivers. If you’re a passenger, seek medical attention and notify the rideshare company of the accident as soon as possible.
Accident in a Rideshare Compensation
Compensation for a rideshare accident can be complex. Things that may affect your payment include:
- Whether the rideshare driver was giving a ride at the time of the accident. Rideshare companies usually offer more insurance coverage during rides than when the driver is looking for a passenger. If you’re a passenger in the vehicle at the time of the accident, the larger insurance policies are active.
- Laws in your state. There are state variations in car accident laws. Generally, they’re all based on negligence, but there are some differences in how fault is apportioned and how damages are awarded.
- Your damages. Like all motor vehicle collisions, rideshare accident compensation is based on the losses of the victim.
- How to collect your compensation. With multiple parties and insurance companies, it can be hard to determine who should pay what. Who is at fault and the amounts of insurance available through each party can determine how to go about getting your accident compensation.
Is a Rideshare Liable for an Accident?
A rideshare can be liable for an accident. Generally, the same rules for accident liability apply.
These rules come from state law. However, rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft typically have up to $1 million in insurance for third-party liability. They also offer uninsured and underinsured protection.
Get Legal Help with Steps After a Rideshare Accident
Schiller & Hamilton is a Rock Hill SC rideshare accident lawyer. We know the steps to take after being injured in a rideshare accident. If you have been involved in an Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare accident, you may deserve compensation.
Get professional help with your case. Call or message us now.